Image source: caughtoffside.com
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to consider offers of £20-25 million for defender Ben White during the summer transfer window, though the club remains determined to keep the versatile England international until the end of the current season despite interest from Premier League rivals.
Arsenal Open to Summer Sale of Ben White With £20-25 Million Valuation Set
Everton have emerged as potential suitors for the 28-year-old defender, but Arsenal have no intention of sanctioning a departure this January according to reports from football.london and Football Insider. The Gunners are understood to be more receptive to negotiations when the summer window opens, having set their asking price in the £20-25 million range for the former Brighton centre-back.
White has found himself behind Jurrien Timber in manager Mikel Arteta’s pecking order this season, managing just nine starts across all competitions despite his ability to operate effectively at both centre-back and right-back. The England international’s reduced role represents a significant change from previous campaigns when he was considered a key player in Arsenal’s defensive setup under the Spanish coach.
The defender’s limited playing time this term follows an injury-disrupted previous season, and at 28 years old, White is likely seeking more regular first-team opportunities to maintain his international prospects. Everton would offer the guarantee of consistent minutes that he currently lacks at the Emirates Stadium, making a potential move to Merseyside an attractive proposition for the experienced defender.
Arsenal have reportedly identified Newcastle’s Tino Livramento as a potential replacement should White depart in the summer transfer window. The Sun linked the Magpies full-back with a move to north London, with Livramento’s versatility to cover both flanks appealing to Arteta’s preference for squad depth across multiple positions following the club’s busy summer recruitment drive.
The £20-25 million valuation reflects White’s proven Premier League experience and positional flexibility, with Arsenal confident of attracting multiple suitors beyond Everton’s reported interest. Arteta’s emphasis on maintaining squad depth throughout the season explains the club’s reluctance to sanction any January departure, despite the player’s reduced role in the current campaign.
